The estimated value of tobacco products seized by the ESBU from the shadow market increased by nearly 60% in 2025

 The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine is systematically combating the illegal production and circulation of excisable goods. In 2025, the estimated value of tobacco products seized by detectives from illegal circulation increased by nearly 60% compared to 2024 (UAH 1.4 billion) and reached UAH 2.234 billion.

Specifically, more than 2 million packs of cigarettes, approximately 350 tons of tobacco, nearly 9.6 million excise stamps, about 2.5 million paper tubes, over 4.5 million packaging units, and almost 500,000 boxes of filter sticks were seized.

The operation of 28 industrial production lines has been shut down, indicating the effective cessation of illegal tobacco product manufacturing.

Throughout 2025, ESBU detectives entered 304 criminal proceedings into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations (ERDR) regarding the illegal circulation of tobacco products, 170 of which were referred to the court.

As a result of the court review, 110 guilty verdicts were issued, which confirms the effectiveness of the pre-trial investigation.

The Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine continues to counteract the illegal tobacco market and has identified the reduction of the share of shadow production and circulation of tobacco products as one of its priority areas of activity for 2026.